Challenges associated with insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Am J Med. 2014 Oct;127(10 Suppl):S11-6. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2014.07.003.

Abstract

Despite advances in treatment for type 2 diabetes in recent decades, many patients are failing to achieve adequate glycemic control. Poor glycemic control has been shown to have a detrimental effect on patients' health and well-being, and to have significant negative financial implications for both patients and healthcare systems. Insulin therapy has been proven to significantly reduce glycated hemoglobin levels; however, both patients and physicians can be reluctant to initiate insulin therapy. Research shows that both patient and provider factors contribute to a delay in initiation of insulin therapy. This review discusses the most common barriers contributing to this delay with potential solutions to overcome them.

Keywords: Adherence; Barriers; Hypoglycemia; Insulin; Type 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / economics
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / psychology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / therapy
  • Disease Management
  • Drug Monitoring
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia* / chemically induced
  • Hypoglycemia* / prevention & control
  • Hypoglycemia* / psychology
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / adverse effects
  • Injections / methods
  • Injections / psychology
  • Insulin* / administration & dosage
  • Insulin* / adverse effects
  • Medication Adherence / psychology
  • Quality of Life
  • Risk Assessment

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin